Abercrombie & Fitch expands Middle East operations

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
May 10, 2016

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. announced it has expanded its existing relationship with Majid Al Futtaim Fashion, its retail partner in the Middle East.

Abercrombie & Fitch has operated 8 stores in the UAE and Kuwait since 2013 with the help of Majid Al Futtaim. Now, the entity will assist Abercrombie & Fitch with its retail store developments in Saudi Arabia, Quatar, Bharain and Oman. The expanded franchise agreement includes the Abercrombie, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch brands.

Arthur Martinez, Executive Chairman of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. said, "We expect there to be strong demand for our brands in these new markets, and we are thrilled to partner with Majid Al Futtaim Fashion to expand our presence in the Middle East.”

Majid Al Futtaim Fashion’s CEO Rajiv Suri commented on the forecast for the brands saying, "We have seen significant demand within the last few years in the UAE and Kuwait and we look forward to helping Abercrombie & Fitch Co. grow in this market.”

The first store is anticipated to open in Q1 of 2017 in Quatar, with the first Saudi Arabian store opening in the first half of 2017.